Gymnastic training aid for a side horse

ABSTRACT

The invention disclosed herein is a gymnastic training aid for developing skill in performing high double circles on a side horse. The training aid includes a rigid frame adapted to be extended above a side horse. One end of a horizontally disposed swivel arm is pivotally mounted upon this frame above the side horse so the arm will cantilever from this pivoted mounting. A stirrup bar depends from the other outward end of the swivel arm to carry a leg sling. The swivel arm and stirrup bar are adjustable in length to enable the sling to be positioned to carry the legs of a gymnast on a side horse in a proper position for the practice of high double circles or the like.

United States Patent 1191 Fenner et al.

1451 Sept. 11, 1973 GYMNASTIC TRAINING AID FOR A SIDE HORSE [76] Inventors: Robert M. Fenner, 3200 S. Zuni St.,

Englewood, Colo. 80110; Jack R. Harris, 1428 Teakwood, Salina, Kans. 67401 [22] Filed: May 15, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 253,329

[52] US. Cl. .L... 272/64 [51] Int. Cl. A63b 5/12, A63b 69/00 [58] Field of Search 272/60, 64, 36, 86;

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,379,439 4/1968 Sorenson et al. 272/64 3,090,617 5/l963 Hjelte et al. 272/36 Primary Examiner-Anton O. Oechsle Assistant Examiner-Arnold W. Kramer Attorney-R. H. Galbreath [57] ABSTRACT The invention disclosed herein is a gymnastic training aid for developing skill in performing high double circles on a side horse. The training aid includes a rigid frame adapted to be extended above a side horse. One

end of a horizontally disposed swivel arm is pivotally mounted upon this frame above the side horse so the arm will cantilever from this pivoted mounting. A stirrup bar depends from the other outward end of the swivel arm to carry a leg sling. The: swivel arm and stirrup bar are adjustable in length to enable the sling to be positioned to carry the legs of a gymnast on a side horse in a proper position for the practice of high double circles or the like.

8 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures PATENIED SEPI l I975 SHEET 1 OF 2 1 GYMNASTIC TRAINING AID FOR A SIDE HORSE This invention relates to gymnastic training apparatus, and more particularly to a training aid for learning double leg swings on a side horse. As such, the invention will be hereinaftercalled a gymnastic training aid for a side horse and sometimes, a side horse training aid.

One of the most difficult of all classical gymnastic events is the side horse. It is necessary for the gymnast to support his body by his arms as he grips the side horse pommels or other portions of the side horse and to then swing his legs about the side horse in smooth, continuous movements. One of the most spectacular movements is known as high doubles or double leg swings where the gymnast swings his entire body about the horse. High doubles movements are also one of the most difficult movements for a gymnast to attain. Proper form in the performance of high doubles requires that the gymnast hold his legs together, knees straight and toes pointed, as he swings his body and legs through half and full circles around and over the side horse while carrying his body weight upon his arms. When the gymnast is proficient in such movements, his body will maintain a fixed attitude as he swings in horizontal circles. The high doubles movements are very difficult to learn, not only because of a great arm strength and a keen sense of balance which are required, but also because no simple training exercises exist which permit the gymnast to learn these movements in a gradual manner. It is also difficult, if not impossible, for an assistant or spotter to help the novice gymnast when he is first attempting high doubles on the side horse.

The present invention was conceived and developed with the above noted considerations in view and comprises, in essence, a training aid for a side horse which includes a horizontal, swivelled arm supported above the side horse and having a stirrup with a sling to carry the legs of a gymnast. The arm rotates about a pivot directly above the side horse and the sling, supporting a portion of the body weight of the gymnast, assists him in performing the desirable high double circles.

Accordingly, an object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved training aid for a side horse which will hold the legs of a gymnast in position when he is practicing high double"- movements and assist him in attaining and perfecting circular movements of his legs and body about the horse.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved training aid for a side horse which will assist a gymnast in holding his body in proper form while performing on a side horse as by keeping his legs together, knees straight and toes pointed.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved side horse training aid which will assist a gymnast in becoming proficient in the performance of various types of high double leg swings, not only at the pommels of the side horse, but also from either end of the side horse.

Another object of the invention is. to provide a novel and improved side horse training aid to assist a gymnast in learning and developing proper balance, muscular coordination and sufficient strength to' properly perform high double movements and other difficult leg swings on the side horse.

Other objects of the invention are to provide a novel and improved training aid for a side horse which is a simple, lightweight structure, easy to mount in position over a side horse, versatile, easily adjusted for different individuals and is a rugged, durable unit.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, our present invention comprises certain constructions, combinations and arrangements of parts and elements as hereinafter described, defined in the appended claims, and illustrated in preferred embodiment by the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the improved side horse training aid mounted over a side horse, and with the side horse and a gymnast thereon being shown in dotted lines to better illustrate the manner in which the training aid is used to assist the gymnast to practice a high double circle.

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary isometric view of the apparatus as taken from the indicated arrow 2 at FIG. 1 but on a enlarged scale, to better show the construction of the swivel arm and leg supporting stirrup carried by the arm.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary isometric view, as taken from the indicated arrow 3 at FIG. 1, but on an enlarged scale to better show one end of the frame.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary transverse sectional view as taken along the indicated line 4-4l of FIG. 2, but on an enlarged scale to set forth the pivotal connection of the arm assembly to the horizontal crossbar of the frame.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary sectional detail as taken along the indicated line 5-5 of FIG. 2, but on an enlarged scale and with portions removed to conserve space.

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary sectional detail as taken from the indicated line 6-6 of FIG. 2, but on an enlarged scale and with portions removed to conserve space.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, the es sential features of the side horse training aid include a framework F, which is to be mounted over the side horse H, and a cantilevered swivel S which is carried upon the framework above the side horse. The frame F is a lightweight, rigid and strong tubular structure. Structurally, it is a bent formed by a longitudinally extended, horizontal crossbar C supported at each end by a tripod of legs L. The swivel S includes a horizontally extended swing arm 20 having one end pivoted to the frame crossbar C. A stirrup 21 depends from the other end of this arm 20 to carry a sling 22 for holding a gymnasts legs.

The crossbar C is a tubular member of sufficient diameter and wall thickness 'to carry the swivel support at its center and to resist the loads imposed upon it by that member. The triad of legs L at each end of the crossbar include two opposing, transversely extended tubular legs 25 which diverge from an apex at the crossbar to lie in a vertical plane normal to the axis of the crossbar. These legs 25 spread apart at an angle of at least approximately 60 to provide for good lateral stability of the frame. The third tubular leg 26 of the triad at each end of the crossbar angles outwardly from its end of the crossbar, at an angle of at least approximately 32 from the vertical, to lie in a vertical plane of the crossbar. Thus, the longitudinally extended legs 26 provide for longitudinal stability of the frame.

The upper end of upper end legs 25 at each end of the crossbar are held in snugly fitting tubular sleeves 27 which are welded to the crossbar C to diverge therefrom in a plane normal to the axis of the crossbar as illustrated at FIGS. 1 and 3. They are reinforced by a strut 28 extending between them. The upperend of the leg 26 at each end of the crossbar is held ina similar tubular sleeve 29 which is welded to the crossbar to incline therefrom in a plane of the crossbar and at a position where the extended end of the sleeve 29 lies against, and is welded to, the reinforcing strut 28 as illustrated. Once fitted into their respective sleeves 27 and 29, the legs 25 and 26 are secured in position by hand screws 30 which are turned into suitable threaded openings in the walls of the sleeves.

The height of the framework F is rendered adjustable by providing an extension tube 31 in each leg 25 and 26. Each extension tube 31 is telescopically fitted into its respective leg 25, or 26, to project from the lower end of its leg. In use, these extension tubes 31 are extended a selected distance below their respective legs and are then secured in position by tightening hand screws 32 which are turned into suitable threaded openings in the walls of the legs adjacent to their lower ends as illustrated at FIG. 1. Each extension tube is calibrated by markings 33 along its reach to provide for a quick and easy extension of the frame to any desired height.

The lower end of each extension tube 31 is provided with a foot 34 which is conveniently formed as a short, tubular member welded to the bottom end of the extension tube 31 at right angles thereto with the bottom end of the tube being at the center of the foot. Thus, the

.foot forms a T-shaped arrangement with the extension tube, and the arms of this T, forming the foot, are covered by cylindrical rubber sleeves 35 to protect a floor surface whereon the frame will rest and to minimize the chances of the framework slipping when mounted upon a smooth, finished surface.

The swing arm 20 of the swivel S is connected to the crossbar C by a pivot assembly 40 at the crossbar. This pivot assembly 40, on a vertical axis, must be proportioned to resist the direct pull and bending moments imposed upon it when a gymnast is hanging from the stirrup at the extended end of the cantilevered arm 20. The lower portion of a short support tube 41 is welded to the pivot end of the arm 20 to upstand therefrom and to connect with a strut as hereinafter described. A shaft 42 is secured in the tube 41 by a crosspin 43 to upstand therefrom, and the upstanding portion of the shaft 42 extends through a tube 44 in the crossbar C as shown at FIG. 4. The vertical axised tube 44 forms the housing of pivot assembly 40 and is welded in position in the crossbar C. This tube has an internal diameter proportioned to receive a pair of roller bearings 45 through which the shaft 42 extends. The length of the upstanding portion of the shaft 42 and the length of the tube 44 are such as to space the bearings 45 apart a distance sufficient to resist any bending moments imposed on the arm 20 without excessive pressure on the bearings. The lower bearing 45 is carried upon a base collar 46 welded to the shaft 42 adjacent to the top of the tube 41. A spacer sleeve 47 above this lower bearing embraces the shaft 42 to space the upper and lower roller bearings 45. The length of the sleeve 47 is such as to position the top of the upper roller bearing 45 adjacent to the top of the tube 44 which projects a short distance above the crossbar C. The shaft 42 extends above this tube 44 a distance sufficient to receive a thrust bearing 48 and a holding collar 49. The collar 49 is secured to the shaft 42 by a set screw 50. The undersurface of the thrust bearing 48 rests upon the top of the tube 44 and the collar 49 rests upon the upper surface of the thrust bearing to resist downward axial pulling forces on the shaft 42.

The cantilevered swing arm 20 of the swivel S includes a square-sectioned carrier tube 51 and an extension tube 52 telescopically fitted within the carrier tube 51. The pivot end of the arm, the end of the carrier tube 51, is welded to the lower portion of the pivot support tube 41 as heretofore described. This tube connection to the support tube 41 is reinforced by a strut 53 having one end connected to the tube 41, near its top, and the other end connected to the carrier tube 51 near its extended end.

The extension tube 52 is slidable within the carrier tube 51 and markings 54 on the side of the extension tube provide measurement indications of the position of the extension tube 52 within the carrier tube 51, as illustrated at FIG. 2. This extension tube is secured at any selected position within the carrier tube 51 by a hand screw 55 which is turned into the threaded socket of a boss 56 welded to the side of the carrier tube 51 over an opening 57 therein, to permit the end of the hand screw 55 to engage the extension tube as illustrated in FIG. 5.

The extension tube is completed by a pair of downwardly extended ears welded to the opposite sides of the end of the extension tube to form a hanging yoke 58 which carries the stirrup 21. A transverse pin 59 extends through this yoke 58 and pivotally connects with the top of the stirrup 21 as shown at FIG. 6.

The stirrup 21 includes a square-sectioned hanger tube 61 and a square-sectioned hanger sleeve 62 telescoped over the hanger tube to depend therefrom. The hanger tube 61 is preferably the same size as the arm extension tube 52 and the top end of this hanger tube is pivotally connected to the yoke 58, the pin 59 extending through the hanger tube 61, as heretofore described.

The hanger sleeve 62, which carries the sling 22, is slidably adjustable upon the hanger tube 61 to provide a selected elevation of the sling 22 with respect to the side horse I-I. Markings 63 on the side of the hanger tube 61 provide measurement indications for setting the hanger sleeve 62. Once set, the sleeve 62 is secured at any selected elevation upon the hanger tube 61 by a hand screw 64 which is turned into the threaded socket of a boss 65 welded to the side of the sleeve 62 over an opening 66 therein to permit the end of the hand screw 55 to engage the hanger tube 61 as illustrated at FIG. 6.

The sling 22 is a leather or cloth strap and is loosely suspended from a crossbar 70 at the bottom of the hanger sleeve 62, with a suitable connective nut 71, and washer 72 at each end of the crossbar 70 holding the sling in place. Diagonal struts 73 extend downwardly and outwardly from each side of the hanger sleeve 62 to connect with the extended ends of the crossbar 70 to complete the organization.

The use of the side horse training aid to practice an exercise on the side horse is manifest from the foregoing description. The framework F is set up over a horse with the swivel pivot 40 being directly above the center of movement of the exercise, and directly above the center of the side horse, or nearly so, if the exercise is with the gymnast gripping the pommels of the horse as illustrated at FIG. 1. Next, the extension of the arm 20 and height of the stirrup 21 are adjusted to suit the gymnast and exercises are commenced. The leg extension tubes 31 of the several legs are normally adjusted the same to place the crossbar C at a selected position and height. However, these legs may be adjusted to tip the crossbar C out of its normal horizontal position if exercises are desired at one end of the side horse where the gymnast actually desires to swing high doubles with the axis of movement of his body being inclined.

Dismantling the training aid is a simple matter involving disconnecting the legs from the crossbar C, telescoping the extensions 31 into their respective legs and rotating the arm and folding the stirrup thereon so that both arm and stirrup may lie alongside the crossbar C in a compact package.

Variations to the construction of this apparatus are possible. For example, the sling 22 may be an elastic strap to give the gymnast some leeway in his movements. This, and other variations can be made to the apparatus. Nevertheless, such are within the spirit and scope of our invention. Hence, we desire that our protection be limited not by the constructions illustrated and described, but only by the proper scope of the appended claims.

We claim: I

1. A side horse training-aid for a gymnast which is carried upon a framework means having a horizontally disposed member adapted to be positioned above the side horse, and comprising in combination therewith:

a. a vertically axised pivot means carried by the horizontal member of the framework;

b. an arm carried by the pivot means and cantilevered therefrom to swing about the axis of the pivot means in a substantially horizontal circle underneath the aforesaid horizontal frame member;

c. a stirrup pivotally attached to the outward end of the arm to depend therefrom; and

d. a flexible sling carried by the stirrup proportioned to hold the legs of a gymnast when he is exercising upon the side horse.

2. In the training aid defined in claim 1, Wherein the framework means is a bent with the said horizontal member being a crossbar and including further:

a tripod of supporting legs at each end of the crossbar with two legs of each tripod extending downwardly,

outwardly and laterally from the crossbar in opposite directions to effect lateral stability of the respective end of the crossbar and with the third leg of each tripod extending downwardly, outwardly and longitudinally of the crossbar to effect, in cooperation with the third leg of the other tripod, longitudinal stability thereof.

3. In the training aid defined in claim 2, wherein:

the tripod legs are tubular;

an extension tube is telescopically fitted into each leg to adjust the height of the aforesaid framework; and

a foot member is provided at the base of each extension tube.

4. In the training aid defined in claim 1, wherein said pivot means includes:

an array of vertically aligned bearings in the horizontal frame member;

a vertical shaft carried therein with a portion of the shaft suspended below the bearings;

a sleeve fitted upon the lower, suspended portion of the shaft and affixed to the aforesaid arm; and

a reinforcing strut connected to the sleeve and the arm.

5. In the training aid defined in claim 1, wherein:

the arm is a tubular member; and

an adjustable extension tube therein carries the aforesaid stirrup.

6. In the training aid defined in claim 5, wherein:

a yoke is formed as a pair of ears depending from the end of the arm to offset a pin carried therein from the arm, to permit the stirrup to be folded upwardly and against the arm as when the unit is to be placed in storage.

7. In the training aid defined in claim 1, wherein the stirrup comprises:

a hanger tube suspended from the end of the aforesaid arm; and

a hanger sleeve telescopically fitted upon the hanger tube to adjustably depend therefrom.

8. In the training aid defined in claim 7, including:

a crossbar at the bottom of the hanger tube;

and wherein the said stirrup sling is a strap suspended from the ends of the crossbar. 

1. A side horse training aid for a gymnast which is carried upon a framework means having a horizontally disposed member adapted to be positioned above the side horse, and comprising in combination therewith: a. a vertically axised pivot means carried by the horizontal member of the framework; b. an arm carried by the pivot means and cantilevered therefrom to swing about the axis of the pivot means in a substantially horizontal circle underneath the aforesaid horizontal frame member; c. a stirrup pivotally attached to the outward end of the arm to depend therefrom; and d. a flexible sling carried by the stirrup proportioned to hold the legs of a gymnast when he is exercising upon the side horse.
 2. In the training aid defined in claim 1, Wherein the framework means is a bent with the said horizontal member being a crossbar and including further: a tripod of supporting legs at each end of the crossbar with two legs of each tripod extending downwardly, outwardly and laterally from the crossbar in opposite directions to effect lateral stability of the respective end of the crossbar and with the third leg of each tripod extending downwardly, outwardly and longitudinally of the crossbar to effect, in cooperation with the third leg of the other tripod, longitudinal stability thereof.
 3. In the training aid defined in claim 2, wherein: the tripod legs are tubular; an extension tube is telescopically fitted into each leg to adjust the height of the aforesaid framework; and a foot member is provided at the base of each extension tube.
 4. In the training aid defined in claim 1, wherein said pivot means includes: an array of vertically aligned bearings in the horizontal frame member; a vertical shaft carried therein with a portion of the shaft suspended below the bearings; a sleeve fitted upon the lower, suspended portion of the shaft and affixed to the aforesaid arm; and a reinforcing strut connected to the sleeve and the arm.
 5. In the training aid defined in claim 1, wherein: the arm is a tubular member; and an adjustable extension tube therein carries the aforesaid stirrup.
 6. In the training aid defined in claim 5, wherein: a yoke is formed as a pair of ears depending from the end of the arm to offset a pin carried therein from the arm, to permit the stirrup to be folded upwardly and against the arm as when the unit is to be placed in storage.
 7. In the training aid defined in claim 1, wherein the stirrup comprises: a hanger tube suspended from the end of the aforesaid arm; and a hanger sleeve telescopically fitted upon the hanger tube to adjustably depend therefrom.
 8. In the training aid defined in claim 7, including: a crossbar at the bottom of the hanger tube; and wherein the said stirrup sling is a strap suspended from the ends of the crossbar. 